Hyderabad aims to become a “Global Sports Hub,” said State Minister for IT and Industries, Duddilla Sridhar Babu. He spoke at the opening of the SLV Pro Badminton Stadium on Tuesday.
The Minister highlighted a new sports policy to put Telangana on the global map, especially for the 2036 Olympics. He noted that while cricket was once the main focus, now parents and kids are exploring various sports.
Sridhar Babu mentioned that Hyderabad, once famous for biryani, is now known for badminton. He praised athletes like Pullela Gopichand, Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, Chirag Shetty, and Satwiksairaj, who all started in Telangana. Inspired by these stars, many young people are choosing badminton as a career. Gopichand has played a key role in making Hyderabad India’s badminton center.
The government plans to launch the Young India Sports University in 2026. They also aim to build sports grounds in every village and mandal headquarters. A FIFA-certified girls’ football academy will soon open in Gachibowli.
Plans are also in place to open sports schools in each of the state’s ten former districts. The goal is to find and develop talent from the grassroots level. The government is committed to providing opportunities, infrastructure, and mentorship for young athletes.
As the President of the Badminton Association of Telangana, Sridhar Babu stressed expanding badminton beyond Hyderabad into rural areas. He urged parents to support their children in any sport they love, helping them reach their full potential.
